JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — The Alaska Legislature has approved legislation that would lower rates for residents of state-supported elder-care facilities. The bill, from Anchorage Democratic Rep. Zack Fields, also would limit future rate increases. It passed the Legislature Tuesday and next goes to Gov. Mike Dunleavy for consideration. The state last year expanded from three to five the levels of care offered at Pioneer Homes and raised rates between 40% and nearly 140%, to levels officials said was more in line with the cost to provide services. The state health department, in a fiscal analysis, said the bill sets rates that are an average of 26% less than the costs of providing services.
